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Exodus 27:11 - North's sacred boundary details?

Exodus 27:11 - שמות 27:11

Hebrew Text

וְכֵן לִפְאַת צָפוֹן בָּאֹרֶךְ קְלָעִים מֵאָה אֹרֶךְ ועמדו [וְעַמּוּדָיו] עֶשְׂרִים וְאַדְנֵיהֶם עֶשְׂרִים נְחֹשֶׁת וָוֵי הָעַמֻּדִים וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶם כָּסֶף׃

English Translation

And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings of a hundred cubits long, and its twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their joints of silver.

Transliteration

Vechein lif'at tzafon ba'orech kla'im me'ah orech ve'amudav esrim ve'adneihem esrim nechoshet vavei ha'amudim vachashukeihem kesef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכֵ֨ן לִפְאַ֤ת צָפוֹן֙ בָּאֹ֔רֶךְ קְלָעִ֖ים מֵ֣אָה אֹ֑רֶךְ <span class="mam-kq-trivial">וְעַמֻּדָ֣ו</span> עֶשְׂרִ֗ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֤ם עֶשְׂרִים֙ נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וָוֵ֧י הָֽעַמֻּדִ֛ים וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶ֖ם כָּֽסֶף׃
וְכֵ֨ן לִפְאַ֤ת צָפוֹן֙ בָּאֹ֔רֶךְ קְלָעִ֖ים מֵ֣אָה אֹ֑רֶךְ וְעַמֻּדָ֣ו עֶשְׂרִ֗ים וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֤ם עֶשְׂרִים֙ נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וָוֵ֧י הָֽעַמֻּדִ֛ים וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶ֖ם כָּֽסֶף׃

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Parasha Commentary

Structural Significance of the North Side

The verse describes the construction of the north side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) with hangings (קְלָעִים) measuring 100 cubits in length, supported by 20 pillars with brass sockets and silver hooks. Rashi (Exodus 27:11) notes that the north side, like the south side, was identical in length, emphasizing symmetry in the Mishkan's design. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) explains that precise measurements in the Mishkan reflect the divine order and holiness of the space.

Symbolism of Materials

The materials used—brass (נְחֹשֶׁת) for the sockets and silver (כֶּסֶף) for the hooks—carry deeper meaning:

  • Brass (נְחֹשֶׁת): The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 10) associates brass with strength and judgment (דין), as it is durable and resilient. The brass sockets provided a firm foundation, symbolizing the unwavering commitment required in divine service.
  • Silver (כֶּסֶף): The hooks and bands of silver, as noted by the Kli Yakar (Exodus 27:10), represent kindness (חסד) and atonement, as silver is often linked to redemption (e.g., the half-shekel donation in Exodus 30:11-16).

Numerical Significance

The 20 pillars on the north side correspond to the 20 generations from Adam until Abraham, as suggested by the Baal HaTurim (Exodus 27:10). This alignment teaches that the Mishkan's structure reflects the spiritual history of humanity, with its pillars symbolizing the foundational figures who upheld divine ideals before the giving of the Torah.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) derives from this verse that the Mishkan's dimensions must be exact, as even a minor deviation could invalidate its sanctity. The precise count of pillars, sockets, and hooks underscores the importance of meticulousness in fulfilling mitzvot, particularly in the construction of sacred spaces.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the measurements and materials in Exodus 27:11?
A: The verse describes the construction of the north side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) with specific measurements (100 cubits) and materials (brass sockets, silver hooks). According to Rashi and the Talmud, these details reflect the precision required in serving Hashem. The materials symbolize different spiritual qualities—silver represents purity, while brass (nechoshet) symbolizes strength and durability in divine service.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the number of pillars and sockets in Exodus 27:11?
A: The Torah specifies 20 pillars and 20 brass sockets for the north side to ensure structural stability and holiness. The Midrash teaches that every detail in the Mishkan’s construction mirrors spiritual concepts. The number 20 may allude to the 20 generations from Adam to Abraham, emphasizing the foundation (sockets) of our faith, as explained in traditional Jewish commentaries.
Q: What can we learn from the hangings (קלעים) mentioned in Exodus 27:11?
A: The hangings (קלעים) served as a boundary for the Mishkan, separating the sacred space from the outside. The Rambam teaches that this teaches us the importance of creating boundaries in our lives to protect holiness. Just as the Mishkan required separation, we too must set limits to preserve our spiritual focus, as derived from Jewish tradition.
Q: How does Exodus 27:11 apply to us today without the Mishkan?
A: Although we no longer have the Mishkan, the verse reminds us to structure our lives with order and sanctity. The Chofetz Chaim explains that just as the Mishkan’s details were meticulously planned, we must build our homes and communities with intentionality—using 'silver' (kindness) and 'brass' (strength) to uphold Torah values in all we do.